Abstract: A method for combusting oil from an oil-containing layer floating on water as from an oil spill or well leak. In the method, an oxygen-containing gas is passed through a conduit, the oxygen-containing gas from the conduit is introduced proximate the oil-containing layer floating on water, and oil from the oil-containing layer is combusted with the oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a flame. The oxygen-containing gas is introduced with an oxygen molar flow rate sufficient to decrease the opacity of a smoke plume from the combusting oil.

Abstract: A method for combusting oil from an oil-containing layer floating on water as from an oil spill or well leak. In the method, an oxygen-containing gas is passed through a conduit, the oxygen-containing gas from the conduit is introduced proximate the oil-containing layer floating on water, and oil from the oil-containing layer is combusted with the oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a flame. The oxygen-containing gas is introduced with an oxygen molar flow rate sufficient to decrease the opacity of a smoke plume from the combusting oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of hydrogen-rich gas are provided. The method and apparatus prevent over-reduction of iron oxide-based shift catalyst by introducing an oxidative stream along with a carbon monoxide containing gaseous feed stream from a catalytic steam reformer to the catalyst bed region and thereby limits structural deterioration of the catalyst. Various sources may provide the oxidative stream including a shift catalyst bed region and a selective oxidation catalyst region.

Abstract: A system for detecting fine liquid, e.g., oil, particles in a gas system having a conduit through which a gas, e.g., hydrogen, air, etc., will flow. The detection system includes a monitor including a high sensitivity photometric sensor, a data acquisition unit and flow and pressure control components to control the pressure and rate of flow of the gas to the monitor. The detection system is arranged to detect the presence of fine liquid particles the gas passing through the conduit and to provide an alert signal representative of the mass count of such particles in response thereto.

Abstract: A process for producing a high temperature COx-lean product gas from a high temperature COx-containing feed gas, includes: providing a sorption enhanced reactor containing a first adsorbent, a shift catalyst and a second adsorbent; feeding into the reactor a feed gas containing H2, H2O, CO and CO2; contacting the feed gas with the first adsorbent to provide a CO2 depleted feed gas; contacting the CO2 depleted feed gas with the shift catalyst to form a product mixture comprising CO2 and H2; and contacting the product mixture with a mixture of second adsorbent and shift catalyst to produce the product gas, which contains at least 50 vol. % H2, and less than 5 combined vol. % of CO2 and CO. The adsorbent is a high temperature adsorbent for a Sorption Enhanced Reaction process, such as K2CO3 promoted hydrotalcites, modified double-layered hydroxides, spinels, modified spinels, and magnesium oxides.

Abstract: A system for detecting fine liquid, e.g., oil, particles in a gas system having a high pressure compressor and at least two gas handling devices, e.g., a coalescer and at least one adsorber. The detection system uses plural sensors and a monitor unit to detect the presence of such fine liquid particles in various portions of the gas system and to provide alert signals in response thereto. The alert signals can be used by associated valves to control the gas system.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus arranged to maximize heat utilization for a hydrocarbon steam reforming process to produce synthesis gas. The apparatus comprises a refractory lined vessel with partition walls that divide the inside of the vessel into (1) a combustion chamber(s) containing one or more burners, and (2) convection chambers used as a means to remove combustion products from the combustion chamber through one or more openings at the opposite end of the burner end. The combustion chamber contains one or more reformer tubes in which a mixed-feed of hydrocarbon and steam flow co-current with combustion products and receive direct radiant heat from the combustion flame through the tube wall. The convection chambers contain a tube-in-tube device filled with catalyst in the annuli.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hydrocarbon reforming process includes a combustion chamber, a convection chamber in fluid communication with the combustion chamber, at least one burner disposed in the combustion chamber, a reaction chamber, a means for flowing a first mixed-feed through a first part of the reaction chamber, and a means for flowing a second mixed-feed through an annular portion of a second part of the reaction chamber, the second part being a tube-in-tube in fluid communication with the first part. The burner(s) generates a flow of a flue gas having a sensible heat from the combustion chamber to the convection chamber. The flow of the flue gas in the convection chamber is counter-currently with the flow of the second mixed-feed.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus arranged to maximize heat utilization for a hydrocarbon steam reforming process to produce synthesis gas. The apparatus comprises a refractory lined vessel with partition walls that divide the inside of the vessel into (1) a combustion chamber(s) containing one or more burners, and (2) convection chambers used as a means to remove combustion products from the combustion chamber through one or more openings at the opposite end of the burner end. The combustion chamber contains one or more reformer tubes in which a mixed-feed of hydrocarbon and steam flow co-current with combustion products and receive direct radiant heat from the combustion flame through the tube wall. The convection chambers contain a tube-in-tube device filled with catalyst in the annuli.

Abstract: A process for producing a high temperature COx-lean product gas from a high temperature COx-containing feed gas, includes: providing a sorption enhanced reactor containing a first adsorbent, a shift catalyst and a second adsorbent; feeding into the reactor a feed gas containing H2, H2O, CO and CO2; contacting the feed gas with the first adsorbent to provide a CO2 depleted feed gas; contacting the CO2 depleted feed gas with the shift catalyst to form a product mixture comprising CO2 and H2; and contacting the product mixture with a mixture of second adsorbent and shift catalyst to produce the product gas, which contains at least 50 vol. % H2, and less than 5 combined vol. % of CO2 and CO. The adsorbent is a high temperature adsorbent for a Sorption Enhanced Reaction process, such as K2CO3 promoted hydrotalcites, modified double-layered hydroxides, spinels, modified spinels, and magnesium oxides.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hydrocarbon reforming process includes a combustion chamber, a convection chamber in fluid communication with the combustion chamber, at least one burner disposed in the combustion chamber, a reaction chamber, a means for flowing a first mixed-feed through a first part of the reaction chamber, and a means for flowing a second mixed-feed through an annular portion of a second part of the reaction chamber, the second part being a tube-in-tube in fluid communication with the first part. The burner(s) generates a flow of a flue has having a sensible heat from the combustion chamber to the convection chamber. The flow of the flue has in the convection chamber is counter-currently with the flow of the second mixed-feed.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a fluid in a process having a process heat requirement includes a shell, at least one tube having a design temperature inside the shell, a plurality of burners adjacent the inner wall of the shell, and transfer means whereby flue gas flows from a first interior region to a second interior region of the shell. A first portion of the tube is in the first interior region and a second portion of the tube is in the second interior region. The first and second portions of the tube are adapted to contain a flow of the fluid. The burners produce the flue gas in the first interior region and a variable heat flux approximating the process heat requirement and simultaneously maximizing the heat flux to the first portion of the tube while maintaining substantially all of the first portion of the tube at the design temperature.